Sat. July 14

Alt-country is the kind of music that is closer to the heart of country music than it is to Big & Rich or most of what comes out of Nashville. It began, in all likihood, as an outgrowth of punk with bands like Rank and File back in the early '80s. Alt-country's hero is Gram Parsons. It reveres Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Williams and Merle Haggard. The genre itself thrives, with the primary magazine being No Depression and the record label, Bloodshot. Now, here's the local angle: Mike MacDonald, leader of the Widow Makers and organizer of a New England network of alt-country musical artists, has put together what he calls "this flourishing network’s" first-ever music festival – "The Alt-Country Extravaganza." This event will feature 16 bands representing what MacDonald considers the best of New England’s best acts. Performing artists include Patrick Dunn, Eric and Sandra Lichter, The Bees Knees, Lucky 57, Lorntell, The Patrons, The Beau Roland Band, Mike MacDonald and the Widow Makers, The Brimstone Assembly, Bryan Pero and the Tired Horses, The Molenes, The Vinyl Squares, Dearborn Valley, The Dave Sammarco (in photo) Band, and two very special guest bands, to be revealed at a later date. It will be held Saturday, July 14, 2007, at Harpers Ferry.  It starts at noon and goes to from 12 PM to 1:30 AM. BBQ will be available throughout the day. Tickets are cheap, $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. Wanna hear the bands? All can be heard online at  myspace.com/altcountryextravaganza. Here's the altruistic element: All proceeds except for advertising costs will be donated to Horizons for Homeless Children.

158 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-254-9743 www.harpersferryboston.com